Taking a CompTIA exam: scheduling, proctoring, retakes & refunds

The exam itself is the one cost you can't avoid — so don't lose it to a missed reschedule window or a failed proctoring check. Here is how this vendor's exams actually work, every policy sourced and dated. Policies change; confirm the current terms before you schedule.

Testing provider: Pearson VUE

See also: what these certifications cost · can you earn them · study for them free · ways to fund them.

How you take it

Pearson VUE delivers every CompTIA exam two ways: at an in-person Pearson VUE test center, or online-proctored from home via the OnVUE platform (webcam-recorded). The exam runs in one session with no scheduled breaks.

Scheduling & rescheduling

Reschedule or cancel at least one full business day (24 hours) before a test-center appointment; less than 24 hours forfeits the exam fee. Exams booked with ADA accommodations need 3 days' notice. An online-proctored exam can be rescheduled up until the scheduled start time.

Refunds & cancellation

No partial refunds: failing to cancel before your appointment, or not showing up, forfeits the exam fee. Arriving more than 15 minutes late can mean you're refused and still owe the fee.

Retakes

You pay full price for every attempt — CompTIA offers no free re-tests or retake discounts. There is no wait between the 1st and 2nd attempt, but you must wait at least 14 calendar days before the 3rd or any later attempt. No stated maximum number of attempts.

Online proctoring: what to have ready

For the OnVUE online option: a valid government photo ID, a private space with no unauthorized items (no bags, books, notes, phones, watches, or wallets), webcam recording throughout, and one continuous session with no scheduled breaks. Run Pearson VUE's system check beforehand.

Getting your results

CompTIA exams are pass/fail and a printed test-center score report includes your photo. (We could not confirm the exact results-timing wording on a fetched official page — verify on CompTIA's policy page.)

Testing accommodations

CompTIA complies with applicable disability laws; accommodation requests are handled through Pearson VUE and should be arranged before you schedule.

Which exams this covers

• CompTIA A+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Cloud+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA CloudNetX — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA CySA+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Data+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA DataAI — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA DataSys+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Linux+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Network+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA PenTest+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Project+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Security+ — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA SecurityX — cost · eligibility
• CompTIA Server+ — cost · eligibility

Policies change — these are the terms as of the date shown; always confirm the current scheduling, reschedule, refund, and retake rules on the official page before you book or pay.

Sources

• Official exam-policy page: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/test-policies/candidate-testing-policies/
• Official exam-policy page: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/test-policies/comptia-certification-retake-policy/

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